Mining exploration controversies in Serbia

Mining and exploration activities in Serbia have faced increasing scrutiny and legal challenges from environmental organizations and local residents.

In the Zaječar region, operations at the Malka Golaja mining site, managed by a company linked to Zijin Mining, abruptly ceased as equipment and personnel reportedly disappeared from the location. This follows a June order from the Republic Forestry and Hunting Inspectorate to stop work due to illegal logging. Local opposition members have filed criminal reports, alleging that the scale of operations exceeded existing permits.

Simultaneously, in southwestern Serbia, the environmental organization Polekol filed complaints against Zlatna Reka Resources regarding geological exploration on Rogozna mountain. Activists and the ‘Ne damo Rogoznu’ initiative have raised concerns over the impact on soil, water, and public health. Polekol is calling for urgent testing of water and soil near waste ponds and is urging the Ministry of Mining and Energy to revoke the company’s permits. Zlatna Reka Resources has dismissed these allegations as ‘completely unfounded’ and maintains it has met all legal obligations.